Roland FC300 Guitar Foot Controller

The FC-300 sets a standard of power, versatility and innovation for MIDI foot control. With features such as bi-directional MIDI data flow to the Roland VG-99 via the RRC2, patch memory recall, twin expression and control pedals and more, this advanced control station is a perfect companion for Roland's VG-99 V-Guitar System or any other performance-based MIDI instrument or device.

Control & Expression

The FC-300 is outfitted with nine industrial-grade footswitches and 2 programmable expression pedals for fast, easy control and expanded performance capabilities. The backlit LCD offers a high contrast view of patch names (when used with VG-99) and other important data, even in the darkest stage environments.

Power Patches

Up to 100 sets of MIDI messages/parameters can be stored simultaneously in the FC-300 as patches. Complex MIDI transmission is made simple thanks to the FC-300's ability to package chunks of data together in a single patch, and then transmit each data-burst via footswitch.

Advanced Connectivity

Using commercially available LAN (Ethernet, CAT5) cable and the RRC2 protocol, the FC-300 provides both bidirectional MIDI transmission and electrical power supply with one simple connection between VG-99 and FC-300.

Programmable Switching

Two multi-purpose switch-jacks are built into the FC-300. These programmable outputs are an ideal feature for guitarists, as they allow amp channels to be switched from clean to lead, for example, in sync with patch changes on the FC-300

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"No competition"

Sound:
n/a
Feature:
There is really nothing else on the market to compete with this, in terms of programmability, expandability, and flexibility. This may seem like a small thing, but for me it was critical: you can run this guy on batteries. The only comparable product on the market is the Behringer FCB1010, which has the great advantage of being being dirt cheap, but which requires AC power, and which is much harder to program IMO. The FCB1010 is great value, of course, but the FC300 is much easier to use, and eliminates a power cable on stage.
If anything the features are *too* extensive for me, because I only use it one mode, but it's a mode most other products don't support: CC messages (versus Program Change, etc.)
Ease of Use:
The interface is complex, owing to the flexibility of the product, but there is good feedback via the display, and dedicated buttons for most functions (versus the typical "hold down pedals x, y and z for 23 seconds" nonsense), so I rate this a 9. And if it were any easier (i.e. a 10) it would probably rank lower in "Features".
Quality:
It's a tank. The switches (the Roland standard) are silent but provide enough resistance to keep you informed as to what's happening at your feet. It's heavy, which has its pros and cons. I wish there were a smaller version available - perhaps with one pedal and fewer switches, but until then this is it.
Value:
The product is very expensive, and hard to justify when a product (FCB1010) with just a couple of comprimises is SO much cheaper. But when those few comprimises have been nagging at you and you realize you've been searching for something better for YEARS, you buy this. I was lucky enough to find a cheap one, but all the same, I wish I'd just bought a new one earlier. The time saved would have made the expense worthwhile.
Manufacturer Support:
Unknown, really. But this product has been in production for a long time and is well-documented, so I feel pretty good with my odds if I ever need support.
The Wow Factor:
It's not an especially innovative product, it's just the only one on the market that isn't broken in some way or another. Its big (overkill much of the time) and it tends to eat batteries, but its perfect otherwise.
Overall:
It's simply a keeper. Until something else hits the market, this is the one. If/when it dies, I'll buy a replacement. I've considered buying a 2nd just to have one in a different room.

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"Not compatible with Roland GR-55"

Overall:
This is the controller recommended for the Roland GR-55 but I set both up following the directions for both and no results not a single thing worked. I don't know if I just got a lemon or what but it just didn't work.. To much money and time wasted on this. I am very negative about Roland equipment because the last few things I have bought were not up to what I had come to expect from Roland equipment and overpriced on top of everything. I expect an item in that price range to be professional equipment not a toy but it seems they are making toys for children and not for use on a live stage setting. If this had been intended for the professional stage they would make it so you could change patches on the fly, On a real professional stage situation you have no time to reset you tones, If are doing your job you are to busy playing your instrument to stop and change patches and re-set the system.

Style of Music: Country and Old time rock n roll 50's 60's 70's and some more recent stuff

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